Murder trial finally begins

After years of delays, Eric Antwon "E-love" Wilson's trial is under way.

By MOLLY MOORHEAD
Published March 27, 2007

DADE CITY - Six years after "Little" Ronnie Barber died in a hail of gunfire outside a Trilacoochee nightclub, one of the men accused of killing him went to trial Monday.

Eric Antwon "E-love" Wilson, 32, is charged with second-degree murder and faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Witness Mike "White Mike" Norris testified Monday that he arrived at Rumors about 11 p.m. on Feb. 24, 2001 with Barber, who he said was like a brother to him. They were talking with friends in the crowded parking lot when a green car with a tan top pulled in and turned on the high beams.

"About that time, Little Ronnie said, 'There they go,' " Norris said.

Norris testified that Wilson and another man fired repeatedly at Barber, who had his arms up in surrender.

Then 23-year-old Barber crouched down behind the door of his car, but a bullet struck his left shoulder and went into his heart. He bled to death at the scene.

Norris speculated that it was Wilson's co-defendant, Scottie Lee "D'Angelo" White, who fired the fatal bullet.

"But both of them were actually shooting," he said.

White has twice been tried and convicted.

He is serving a life term in prison.

Authorities have said the shooting occurred after Barber refused to pay for some cocaine.